Novatek delivers first LNG cargo from Arctic LNG 2 to China

According to the RIA news agency, Russian energy producer Novatek has delivered the first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the new Arctic LNG 2 project. This was confirmed by a senior manager at the company: “Arctic LNG 2 is up and running. Shipments have begun, and the first ship has arrived in China.”

Data from Kpler and LSEG show that the LNG arrived in China a few days before the planned meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping.

Although LNG production began in December 2023, there were delays in deliveries due to a lack of ice-reinforced LNG tankers and Western sanctions resulting from the Ukraine conflict.

This first delivery represents an important strategic step: the project, which had previously been subject to sanctions, is reaching an end consumer in China for the first time – a significant signal for energy cooperation between Russia and China.

(reuters, est)